What is the IUPAC name for C7H16?

The correct identification of C7H16 is as heptane, which is a straight-chain alkane consisting of seven carbon atoms. In organic chemistry, alkanes are named using the longest continuous chain of carbon atoms, and the prefix "hept-" corresponds to seven. Each carbon atom in this chain is bonded to enough hydrogen atoms to satisfy the tetravalent nature of carbon, resulting in the molecular formula CnH2n+2, which for seven carbons becomes C7H16.

The other options refer to different alkanes with distinct numbers of carbon atoms. Decane, which has ten carbon atoms (C10H22), nonane with nine (C9H20), and propane with three (C3H8) do not match the formula of C7H16, thus confirming that heptane is indeed the correct name for the given molecular formula. By understanding the systematic approach to naming hydrocarbons, one can identify heptane accurately.